Desert Peach
(Prunus andersonii)

Desert Peach (Prunus andersonii)

Alternative Names

Wild almond, Nevada Wild Almond, spiny peach, desert almond

Description of Desert Peach (Prunus andersonii)

Desert Peach (Prunus andersonii), a member of the Rosaceae (Rose Family), is a shrub that grows from 3′ to 10′ tall and blooms with pink to dark pink flowers in the winter to spring (March to May).  The fruits, which are yellow to orange drupes, mature in the spring to summer (June to August).  More information can be found on this blog post about Desert Peach.

Hosted Species

Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)

Henri’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)

Nectar Species

This species is used by other insects and is food for birds and mammals.  It is noted as a favored nectar plant for the Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui).

Habitat

This species grows in open areas such as dry slopes, washes, sandy hills, meadow edges, and desert scrub.

Range of Desert Peach (Prunus andersonii) in the United States and Canada

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Prunus, is Latin for “drupe.”  The species name, andersonii, comes from Latin for “Anderson” in honor of Charles Lewis Anderson, who the species was named in honor of.